Puente Nuevo (New Bridge): history, facts and how to visit

Ronda's iconic landmark: 98 metres above the Tajo gorge.

History and what to see

This is, without doubt, the most recognisable image of Ronda. It spans the 98-metre-deep Tajo gorge, carved by the Guadalevín river, which splits the city in two. It wasn't the first attempt: in 1735 a single-arch bridge was built, but it collapsed just six years later, killing around 50 people. Work on the current bridge began in 1751 and wasn't finished until 1793 — over 40 years, led first by Domingo Lois de Monteagudo and later by José Martín de Aldehuela (the same architect behind the bullring). Interestingly, the stone used to build it was quarried from the gorge itself, so the bridge seems to merge with the rock around it. Inside, above the central arch, there's a chamber once used as a prison, which today houses a small interpretation centre.

Interesting facts

• It spans a 98-metre drop over the Tajo gorge, carved out by the Guadalevín river.
• It wasn't the first bridge: an earlier single-arch one (1735) collapsed just six years later.
• It took over 40 years to build, from 1751 to 1793.
• The stone used to build it was quarried right out of the gorge itself, so it seems to merge with the rock.
• Above the central arch there's a chamber once used as a prison, now a small interpretation centre.

Getting there and accessibility

Getting there: Right in the centre, linking the Ciudad and Mercadillo neighbourhoods. A natural starting point for any visit to Ronda.

Accessibility: Accessible

Opening hours, prices and access conditions change over time: check the official sources for each place before you go.

Take Puente Nuevo (New Bridge) with you

Descubre Ronda is a free app with monuments, trails, festivals, where to eat and shop, and audio guide in 6 languages. No sign-up and no intrusive ads.

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What to see nearby

• Bullring (Royal Cavalry of Ronda)

  One of the oldest and most monumental bullrings in Spain.

• Cuenca Gardens

  A terraced viewpoint over the Tajo gorge that locals know better than visitors do.

• Old Bridge

  A single-arch bridge, between the Church of Padre Jesús and the Arch of Philip V, that linked the Ciudad with the Mercadillo before the New Bridge existed.

• Alameda del Tajo

  19th-century tree-lined promenade with panoramic views over the Serranía.

See also the full list of what to see in Ronda and a walking route through Ronda in one day.